Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

About this experience

Explore Arashiyama on a small-group walking tour with an English-speaking guide. Walk through the Bamboo Forest, visit Tenryu-ji’s garden, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and see the monkeys and Kyoto views at Monkey Park Iwatayama. Admission to Tenryu-ji’s garden and Monkey Park is included in your tour price. The standard Arashiyama tour lasts approximately five hours, with a maximum of 12 travelers. The Monkey Park visit involves a 20–25-minute uphill walk. Meals, Okochi Sanso Garden admission and matcha are not included. Want to visit Fushimi Inari too? Select the Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama combo option when booking. Fushimi Inari is included only in that option; check your selected option for its departure time and meeting point.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 20min

   Saga-Arashiyama Station: Meet at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, where you can take a few minutes to explore the surrounding area and get acquainted with your group.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   Bamboo Grove: From the station, we will head to the famous Bamboo Grove, which is only a few minutes away. This serene path is surrounded by towering bamboo trees, and the natural beauty of this area will leave you in awe.

3. Stop 3 · 35min

   Tenryu-ji Garden. We will visit the Tenryuji Garden, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beautiful garden is considered one of the best garden in Japan.

4. Stop 4 · 35min

   Quick lunch break

5. Stop 5 · 15min

   Togetsukyo Bridge: After visiting the Kimono Forest, we will go to the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most popular attractions. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains.

6. Stop 6 · 1h

   Arashiyama Monkey Park: From the bridge, we will hike to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, which is located on a mountain overlooking Arashiyama. Here, you can interact with the Japanese monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Be aware there is a 20-25 minutes hike to the hilltop and the path is a bit steep.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• FOR FUSHIMI COMBO TOUR: Meeting on the opposite side of the Inari station. See pictures We’ll send full tour details the day before by email and WhatsApp. If you haven’t received the details by then, please contact us. Due to the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on this tour.
• Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station 15 minutes early. Go to the rounded window at the North Gate (upstairs). We’ll send all tour details the day before by email and WhatsApp. If you haven’t received the details by then, please contact us. Due to the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted

End point

• We will end your journey with a visit to the enchanting Monkey Park, a must-see for animal lovers. Afterward, you can indulge in some unique shopping opportunities in the area to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your trip or head back to the station.

We will send important information the day before the tour, including the meeting time and meeting location. Please check the tour details carefully to confirm the correct meeting point. We'll be in touch via WhatsApp with any tour-related updates, so please make sure the app is installed and that you're reachable on the day. During the tour, entry tickets are required for both the temple and Monkey Park. Your guide will purchase these tickets at each location and provide them for you. NOTE: It is not possible to purchase these tickets in advance, therefore there will be a brief wait till the guide secures your tickets. We appreciate your patience. Looking forward seeing you soon.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Tours are in English only. Want a different language like German or Italian? Please ask us before booking.
• There is a 20-25 minutes hike to the monkey park hilltop and the path is a bit steep.
• Solo travelers can book this tour, but please note there is a “2 guests minimum” requirement for the tour to proceed. If only one guest is booked, the tour may be canceled. In such cases, you will be notified promptly, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.
• For the privacy and comfort of all guests, smart glasses with recording capabilities (such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses) are not allowed during the tour.
• Be able to hike up to the hilltop of the monkey park (20-25 minutes)
• Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.